Domestic Workers Warned Of Illegal Trade Of Staff In Gulf Countries

Domestic staff need to be aware when considering a job in the Gulf countries that maids there have been illegally bought and sold on the internet.

The warning comes after a BBC investigation found that Facebook Groups are being used to to conduct the trade. This black market has already resulted in prosecutions in Saudi Arabia.

The “Kafala” system that operates in Saudi Arabia, and other Gulf counties, allows workers from Asian and African countries to obtain visas under this sponsorship system. This ties immigrants, who often work as live-in maids, to their employers for the duration of their stay.

While official recruitment operates through agencies, the black market allows employers to find staff more cheaply.

Even though most staff do not originate directly from the UK, there is always the risk that some job seekers will take a contract in one of the Gulf countries, They must, however, be aware of such practices before deciding to work in those environments.

The Graham Agency, keeping you informed.